Sierra Nevada Mountain Information

Yesterday we used the bus (from the Albergue Universitario de Granada at the Hoya de la Mora) to access the 3000m level on the north side of Veleta. Ive always argued that this is cheating and we should be pure and walk up, but I caved in yesterday and succumbed. Sorry. Having said that, it was great to gain 400m up monotonous boring slopes that we do many times every year in comfort.

By 10am we were dropping into the dramatic Corral de Veleta. As can be seen from the photos below, snow patches are still there. Will they be there when the snows return in October?

We used the Veredon Superior path to drop into the “Skye-like” amphitheatre of the corral, the last resting place of the old glaciers in the Sierra Nevada. Crossing the bottom of the corral we made our way up steep scree slopes to the relatively unknown peak of Cerro de los Machos (3329m). In my view this is a far better summit than the crowded Veleta opposite. Quiet and with great commanding views to the north faces of Mulhacen and Alcazaba.

We then headed southwest to join the main track heading to the Col de Cariguela. A short rest at the col before we tackled the Tajos de la Virgen. In winter this is a gaded snow climb (See http://www.sierra-nevada-news.com/2008/06/options-tajos-de-la-virgen-ridge-to-elorietta-refugio/). In summer it is a straigtforward scramble with a few exposed sections over large blocks.

Half way along the ridge one arrives at the Fraile de Capileira. This large pinnacle looks impressive up close but we were too hot and tired to attempt the climb to it’s summit. It took 1.5hrs hard graft to attain the end of the ridge at the Elorrieta hut. After admiring the views towards Capileira and the Laguna de Lanjaron towards the Cerro de Caballo, we headed north towards the ski centre and a return to the car at the Hoya de la Mora.

The Laguna de Lanjaron is the source of the waters for the spa town of the same name. Spanish friends I have brought up here only want to see the Laguna. To them it is their “Shargri-La”. They are not interested in the mountains, the extensive views. To them the Laguna is everything. By the looks of the water level (see photo) we will need some more precipitation soon!

This is a fine high level sumemr day trip encircling Veleta, with constantly changing views and few other people around. Should take about 6 to 7 hours with about 750m ascent, if, like me, you are into cheating and using the bus!